total 9,924 drug-related cases were reported in four hospitals in Ghana between 2010 and June 2013

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover, TEMA A total 9,924 drug-related cases were reported in four hospitals in Ghana between 2010 and June 2013. Out of the total figure, 3,782 were recorded in 2012 with 3,693 being males whereas 89 were females. The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) Capt Baffour Asaase Gyimah (retd) who disclosed this at the national celebration of the International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Tema on Thursday, said besides the alarming figures that were recorded in the four hospitals, there are still cases that have not been reported to any hospital or rehabilitation centre. He said NACOB has identified demand reduction as a key area that needed attention and has since last year focused on demand reduction programmes aimed at highlighting the harmful effects of drug use. Under the theme "A message of hope: Drugs use disorders were preventable and treatable” the celebration was organised by the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) to create awareness and also sustain public education of the negative social and economic effects of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking. Those in attendance included school children from selected second cycle institution Preventable Capt Assase Gyimah said drug use disorders were preventable and gave the assurance that NACOB would channel available resources to campaign against illicit use of drugs promote expansion in treatment and rehabilitation programmes as well as ensure social reintegration. “Our programmes offer a lifeline to those already abusing drugs as well as those who intend to abuse illicit drugs”, he said He said in addition to NACOB’s educational campaign, the counseling, rehabilitation and social integration unit have partnered some rehabilitation centres to offer technical support services to addicts. Capt Assase Gyimah said currently, the government is seeking funding from international partners to construct an ultra-modern rehabilitation centre to house drug addicts to ease congestion at the various psychiatric hospitals. “Drug use disorders are preventable and NACOB will channel available resources to campaign against illicit use of drugs promote expansion in treatment and rehabilitation programmes as well as ensure social reintegration of drug addicts” He said drug addiction is a disease and not necessarily a crime adding that addiction is a medical problem that requires medical attention and not legal prosecution for prison confinement. “Addicts need our sympathy and not our condemnation”, he said. He however warned that the fact that NACOB has adopted this policy towards drug addicts does not mean that the governing board of NACOB as well as the government of Ghana contemplates legalizing the use of marijuana in any form. He advised the youth including some actors and radio presenters whose attitude in public platform gratifying the use of marijuana to desist since it is reprehensible adding that those who fall foul of the law will be dealt with. Collaboration The Deputy Minister of Interior, Mr James Agalga said Ghana would continue to collaborate with both local and international drug law agencies, Non-Governmental organizations, Civil Society Organizations and other identifiable bodies with the aim of combating the drug menace. He said notwithstanding the numerous contributions and efforts made in drug control, the African continent in the year 2012 witnessed an increase in the seizures of illicit drugs mainly cocaine, heroin and marijuana stretching from the northern, eastern and western belts of the continent. Mr Agalga therefore called on all stakeholders including civil society organizations; faith based organizations and schools to join in the fight against the use and trafficking of illicit drugs. Evidence of Drug Use The Executive Secretary of NACOB, Mr Yaw Akrasi Sarpong, said there are evidence of drug use at all levels of the educational system in Ghana primarily because of the belief that drug use aids in learning. He said that belief is a misconception stressing that drug use do not aid learning but destroys the individual. “Prevention of drug use and abuse is a crucial piece of the puzzle. It is better not to start at all than to enter rehabilitation if addiction occurs”, he said Mt Sarpong said drug and other substance use disorders comprise a public health problem that affects many people and have wide-ranging social consequences adding that the economic cost associated with untreated drug and other substance use disorders are very evident in the society. “The state and the public may suffer many health consequences associated with drug and other substance use disorders. These include fatal drug syndrome and drug-affected babies, infectious diseases, mental health problems and social consequences including crime, accidents, suicide, domestic violence and homelessness”, he warned. Writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh